California Air Resources Board

Expect a vote up to approve New Mexico’s very own (and probably useless) Cap and Trade regulation from an appointive board that has power to rule and make rules, just as if they were legislators. While they will make the rules, Bill Richardson and enough of our legislators to pass the enabling legislation, actually deserve the credit blame for having the short sightedness to pass the laws approving the board’s ability to pass rules impacting all citizens without the real accountability the citizens have for legislators at the ballot box.

What makes this cap-and-trade rule potentially silly in a real way is that we may play the game by ourselves … if California voters pass a proposition (Proposition 23) to prohibit their state from enacting or otherwise approving their cap-and-trade rules until their economy has recovered. If all of this isn’t enough for you, watch in December for New Energy Economy to push hard for our solo cap-and-trade regulations. How does it happen that organizations such as New Energy Economy push their agenda, you might ask. The answer would be under the #3 washtub of complacency … hidden where few would know to look. It is really difficult to drill down to the New Energy Economy organizations’ information, except that it seems to have a presence in many cities and states throughout our nation. Maybe it is more of a philosophy and lobbying outfit than anything else. So love it or hate it … it is up to you.

In any case, you still have time to get to the meeting to see and be seen, to hear and possibly be heard. Copied below is the agenda and pleading documents:

The Environmental Improvement Board (EIB) is responsible for environmental management and consumer protection in this state in order to ensure an environment that in the greatest possible measure will confer optimum health, safety, comfort and economic and social well-being on its inhabitants; will protect this generation as well as those yet unborn from health threats posed by the environment; and will maximize the economic and cultural benefits of a healthy people [§ 74-1-2 NMSA 1978]. More…

The basic authority for environmental and consumer protection management in New Mexico is provided through the State Environmental Improvement Act (§§ 74-1-1 et seq., NMSA 1978). This law establishes the Environmental Improvement Board (EIB, board) and specifies its duties and powers. More…